A view of the factory where 14 women died in fire in Shantou, Dec 4, 2012. [Photo provided by unknown Internet user and published on the Southern Metropolis Daily website ndnews.oeeee.com]

Fourteen women, all aged between 18 and 20, were killed and one severely injured in a fire at an underwear factory in Shantou on Tuesday.

Arson is suspected. The injured worker is under treatment at a local hospital.

The provincial emergency management office said the fire broke out at 3:30 pm and was put out half an hour later. The Southern Metropolis Daily said the factory has defaulted on wages, enraging one worker who started the blaze.

Police are still investigating the case.